CARSON, Calif. – LA Galaxy Insider Adam Serrano’s Three Points following the Galaxy’s 4-1 victory over the Philadelphia Union. Leonardo, Landon Donovan and Robbie Keane scored in the Galaxy win.
#LANDON135 AND #LANDON136
Landon Donovan was not to be denied.
Fresh off a traumatic week that saw Donovan excluded from the U.S. National Team’s 23-man roster for the 2014 FIFA World Cup, Donovan was inspired from the opening whistle as he scored his record breaking 135th MLS regular season goal—and 136th goal – to become the league’s all-time regular season goal king. The record-breaking goal was set up by Robbie Keane who threaded a pass through across the Union penalty area for Donovan to harmlessly tap into the Union net. The pair combined again in the 81ST minute when Keane made a run through the Philadelphia defense only to square the ball to Donovan who smashed it in for his second of the night and his 136th regular season goal.
Amid the hubbub about his USMNT snub ahead of the World Cup, it appears that Donovan has returned to the Galaxy in top form, which should only aid the Galaxy as they push toward a fifth MLS Cup.
IS THIS THE 2014 LA GALAXY?
The LA Galaxy may have sent a message to the rest of MLS on Sunday as the team was firing on all cylinders during their 4-1 victory over the Philadelphia Union—the team that won two consecutive MLS Cups is back.
After a sputtering end to the first half, the Galaxy came alive in the second as they overwhelmed the Union after Donovan’s goal in the 49th minute. From that moment on, it was all Galaxy as Robbie Keane terrorized the Union defenders tallying a goal of his own in addition to assisting on both of Landon Donovan’s strikes. The thrilling attacking movement appeared to be a far cry from the team that had struggled to score during their malaise earlier in the year.
With Keane and Donovan both available for the final two games before the league’s break for the 2014 FIFA World Cup, the Galaxy will have ample time to make up points that could come in handy come October.
CENTERBACK COMPETITION?
The LA Galaxy may not have the services of Omar Gonzalez for the time being due to World Cup duty, but it appears that they may have a battle on their hands for who will be his partner once he returns.
With Kofi Opare resting during LA’s third game in eight days, Leonardo received the opportunity to start alongside Tommy Meyer after missing the last two matches with a broken finger. The tandem was solid as they silenced a Union attack that rarely tested goalkeeper Jaime Penedo. The Brazilian center back also furthered his case as he tallied his second career goal, both of which have come against the Philadelphia Union.
With Leonardo healthy and both young center backs playing well, Bruce Arena has a tough choice heading into Sunday’s match in Chicago when the Galaxy take on Mike Magee and the Chicago Fire.
Adam Serrano is the LA Galaxy Insider. Read his blog at LAGalaxy.com/insider and contact him at LAGalaxyInsider@Gmail.com
